EMI Pub Signs Mary Poppins Star

Laura Michelle Kelly's debut due on Angel in 2006.

EMI Music Publishing U.K. has signed a worldwide exclusive song-writing agreement with Laura Michelle Kelly, currently playing the title role in the musical "Mary Poppins" in London's West End.

This agreement follows a recent long-term recording deal Kelly signed with EMI Music U.K.'s Angel label. Angel is part of EMI's recently launched Angel Music Group, under the supervision of EMI Music U.K. senior VP Mark Collen. Kelly is Collen's first signing to the label.

At EMI Music Publishing U.K., A&R responsibility for Kelly will be taken jointly by managing director Guy Moot and director of operations and A&R admin Fran Malyan.

"Laura has one of the great voices and real star quality," said Moot. "She has all the natural attributes to make a great record and I am delighted that the Angel label is her recording 'home'."

Kelly will be performing in the show until October. In February she was named Best Actress in a Musical at the Society of London Theatre's annual Laurence Olivier Awards for her role as Poppins.

After October, she will concentrate on her recording career. Her debut album, produced by Marius de Vries, is scheduled for 2006. De Vries most recently worked with David Gray on his new album "Life in Slow Motion."

"Laura is a major talent who has great potential to cross outside of the genre in which she is currently renowned," added Collen.

Kelly is managed by Michelle de Vries and Jon Crawley of Visionary Management. Legal representation is through Russell Roberts of Sheridans.